Black Monday: NFL sees firing frenzy after lackluster performances

Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles directs his players from the sideline in the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Posted: 12/31/2012

By: ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Less than 24 hours after the regular season ended, NFL firings began at a furious pace.

In a span of about 90 minutes before lunch Monday, coaches Andy Reid, Pat Shurmur, Romeo Crennel and Chan Gailey were let go by their teams after losing seasons. None of the moves were surprising, and more are expected.

The Jets decided to keep their coach, Rex Ryan, but fired general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

The Browns made it a clean sweep, dismissing GM Tom Heckert along with Shurmur.

Reid was the longest tenured of the group, let go after 14 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gailey was dumped after three seasons with the Bills, Shurmur after two in Cleveland and Crennel was coach of the Chiefs for one full season.

Jacksonville fired GM Gene Smith.

Reid is due to make $6 million in 2013 in the final year of his contract. He is the franchise leader in wins (140) and winning percentage (.578) and led the Eagles to six division titles and five NFC championship games. He led them to the Super Bowl in 2004.

Reid inherited a 3-13 team in 1999, drafted Donovan McNabb with the No. 2 overall pick in that year's draft, and quickly turned the franchise into a title contender.